January 1st, 2008, was the first Lyrical Venus Radio broadcast! It's been a wonderful ride since then celebrating so many women in music! Tune in this week for some winter songs and songs about New Year's Eve as we say goodbye to 2014. Looking foward to sharing many new songs and artists in 2015!

On today's edition of That Righteous Jive we'll be listening to some blues, jazz, country and Americana from 2014. I'll be featuring Puss N Boots, an alternative country trio began by Norah Jones. Last month they released their debut album: No Fools, No Fun. We'll also hear from Ironing Board Sam, Marty O'Reilly, and Red Skunk. Stream it live September 9th, 5-6pm CDT right here on KRUU radio.

Take two accomplished singer-songwriters with a friendship that goes back far enough to sweeten their harmonies in a way that only time and familiarity can. Add a few years of motherhood and singing their babes to sleep. Reach out to their fanbases to find out favorite soothing songs across ages and artists. Choose 14 of those original and cover songs and record them with a stellar team of musicians. The result is "Til The Morning: Lullabyes and Songs of Comfort" by Edie Carey & Sarah Sample, a dreamy collection of songs that both children and parents can enjoy for lulling themselves off to sleep.

Tune in to Lyrical Venus for an interview with Edie & Sarah to find out more about how they met, why they chose to do this project together and of course, to hear a few songs! Lyrical Venus is Wednesday, June 25 from 9-10am Central. Interview at 9:30am.

On today's edition of That Righteous Jive I'll be playing for you three of my favorite swing albums of 2013.

The first is the self-titled debut album by Bella Donna, a quartet from Springfield, MO. Together the play a fantastic blend of gypsy jazz, swing & folk. "Bella Donna is a jazz ensemble influenced by the Ozarks. The creak of tree limbs in the winter, the summer sounds of cicadas, and the rolling hills off highway 65 have helped influence their sound to create what they like to call "Ozark Jazz".

Secondly, we've got Jelly Doll Circus by Hippocampus Jass Gang, a seven-piece string ensemble from Montpellier, France. They play a mix of both traditional New Orleans-style and gyspy jazz, along with a nice heaping of folk and blues. This is their third album together.

Last, but certainly not least, we've got Jump, Jive & Wail by Louis Louis Louis, a quartet from Leeds, UK. "Playing classic swing, jump-jive, ska and red-hot rhythm & blues, Louis Louis Louis are guarenteed to get your feet tapping and your legs flapping! You can expect to hear thumping slap bass, honking saxophone, raucous four-part vocal harmonies and a driving piano boogie." They named their group after three of their main influences: Louis Armstrong, Louis Jordan and Louis Prima.

Oh Maria won't you come with me?I called your name around the rosaryOh Maria you can disagreeSpinning in the stormy history~ Maria, by Daisy

With songs delightfully deep and quirky-fun by turns, Austin singer-songwriter and ray of sunshine Daisy released her debut EP entitled Do Be Do this week. Tune in to hear her discuss her path from her childhood on a farm in Washington state, to becoming a social worker, to giving that up to follow her heart to the musical mecca of Austin, Texas where she met producer Daniel Barrett. Together they polished up 5 of her songs, including some co-writes with Steve Poltz, into a shiny gem of an EP that is sure to get your boots stomping along, at least when it isn't tugging at your heartstrings.

Tune in to Lyrical Venus from 9-10am Central for songs by female singer-songwriters. Interview with Daisy starts shortly after 9:25am.

Ellis. Who hasn’t heard Ellis. Fairfield has fallen in love with her. She packs Cafe Paradiso every time she plays. The phenomenon is however not unique. She seems to have this effect wherever she goes. Ellis is quietly amassing a loyal following of supporters across the country.

After her Feb 2013 appearance on A Prairie Home Companion, Ellis’ music charted in the Folk Top 100 in iTunes and Folk Top 20 on Amazon.com. She also received hundreds of messages from strangers including, "you exude pure joy", "I heard you and fell in love" and “I was stopped in my tracks by your music and captivating laugh” as well as "Yours is a voice we all need to hear.” Ellis’ performances are transformational; she leaves her audiences better than she finds them, with softened edges & opened hearts.

Tune in to Lyrical Venus Wednesday morning for a live call-in from this amazing artist. She will be appearing at Cafe Paradiso on Saturday, April 12th at 8pm

In the first hour of this Saturday night's edition of The After Hours we'll be listening to some great neo-soul, folk and blues featuring Bella Donna, Con Brio, Stac, Lyle Divinsky and Moonchild. In the second half of the show we'll hear some psychedlic hip-hop & trip-hop featuring Red Martina, KOGNITIF, Algorhythms, Awon & Phoniks, Tumi & The Volume and Broke For Free. Stream it live February 22nd, 10pm-12am CST right here on KRUU radio.

Gonna throw my anchor downGonna hold my head up highGonna claim this brave new worldIn the name of you and IAnchor ~ Heather Miller

Oh hey! It's yours truly, DJ Hum with my own CD now! Officially releasing to the world on Friday!

In May 2011, Fairfield singer-songwriter Heather Miller followed her musical calling all the way to Austin, Texas to study with mentor and producer Daniel Barrett at Rubicon Recording Studios. Daniel’s Rubicon Year program, which offers intensive study and goal-oriented mentoring in writing, musicianship, performing, and recording, allowed Heather to dive deep into the creative process and examine her relationship to it from every angle.

One year, 157 open mic performances, and a successful Kickstarter campaign later, Heather is back home in Fairfield and excited to celebrate the completion of her project with a five-song debut EP. Called Anchor, the album is an inspiring collection of catchy, rootsy, melodic songs, drawing their stories from love and life, doubts and dreams.